The Light We Need
Ivanka Trump Says World Needs "More Kiddush Hashem" After Sydney Terror Attack
Ivanka Trump marked the first night of Hanukkah with an emotional message, stating that the Sydney terror attack underscores the world's desperate need for "more light and more Kiddush Hashem" and personal compassion.
A Message on the First Night of Hanukkah
Ivanka Trump published a statement on Saturday night, the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights, reflecting on the profound symbolism of Hanukkah amidst recent global tragedies, particularly the deadly antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Trump used the occasion to call for increased moral clarity and compassion in response to rising violence and darkness. “As Jews around the world gather around our menorahs on this first night of Hanukkah, we are reminded how desperately the world needs more light and more Kiddush Hashem, sanctification of G-d's name,” she wrote.
She acknowledged the weight of recent events, stating that the “heartbreaking tragedies in Bondi Beach, Australia, and at Brown University” weigh heavily. Trump conveyed her sympathy for the victims and their loved ones, adding that it is “unimaginable to fathom the pain these families are enduring.” She expressed solidarity, confirming that “our hearts are with every loved one affected.”
The Power of a Single Flame
Referencing the core message of the holiday, Trump highlighted the timeless lesson of Hanukkah. The holiday teaches that “even in the darkest moments, a single flame has the power to push back overwhelming darkness,” she wrote.
Trump encouraged the lighting of the menorah to serve as a threefold commitment: an honor to those who were tragically lost, a sign of solidarity with the grieving families, and a commitment to “bring more compassion, integrity, and holiness into the world.”
She concluded her message with an uplifting call to action for everyone to embody the spirit of the holiday. Trump urged individuals to become “a source of light where it is most needed,” reinforcing the idea that personal actions of goodness and compassion can counteract global acts of terror and hatred. Her statement positioned the ancient tradition of lighting the menorah as a modern necessity for moral fortitude and hope.